Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/280528
2014 National ENduro PREDICTIONS I t's that time of year again when we peer into our crystal ball (read: empty beer mug) and take a shot at picking the year end results for the National Enduro Season. One thing we have learned is that basing a de- cision on last year's results isn't always a sound strategy. Case in point; we picked Char- lie Mullins to finish 5th last year based on an uncharacteristic 2012 season in which he was plagued by injury and weird luck. We also thought that the 350 he chose to ride would hold him back in the tighter enduro terrain. We were wrong about a lot of things. As it turns out, Mullins was in a class by him- self last year. He found an extra gear when others could not. So the obvious question is; can anyone dethrone the reigning 2013 Na- tional Enduro Champion? We think not. We believe that Mullins can only be beaten by the injury bug or bad luck. Others may beat him in a few special test battles, but we have no reason to think that Mullins won't win the war, handily. So who holds the best chance of slip- ping in between Mullins and 10 straight victo- ries? The truth is, we have no idea. Once you move past picking Charlie Mullins as the 2014 National Enduro Champion, it is entirely pos- sible for any one of the next five riders to shore up the second overall spot for the year. Here's how we think the standings will shake out for 2014. # 2) Nick Fahringer has the speed and talent to best the field. He's proven in it special tests and by win- ning several National En- duros. If Mullins slips up, we think Nick will be there to capitalize onit the How Will the 2014 National Enduro Season Shake Out? MULLINS? CAN ANYONE DETHRONE CHARLIE Story and photos by Kevin Novello 20 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com